Accessibility Information

At City Sightseeing Oxford we strive to deliver an accessible experience for all of our visitors to Oxford. Please read below for more information that we hope will help when planning your trip to Oxford:

Recorded Commentary languages
Our tour buses are equipped with 14 different language options, allowing visitors of various backgrounds to enjoy what we offer. Find out more: Commentary – City Sightseeing Oxford

Written Commentary
We can supply, on request, written commentary for those hard of hearing or simply anyone who wishes to read the script from the audio commentary. Please ask the driver for one of these if needed.

Over-ear headphones
We supply over-ear headphones to visitors who require them. For example, those who use hearing aids may prefer to use over-ear headphones so they do not impact the use of their hearing aids. Please ask the driver for one of these if needed.

Hearing Loops
At City Sightseeing Oxford, we are committed to making our tours accessible to everyone. That’s why we’ve equipped our buses with state-of-the-art hearing loops. These systems ensure that passengers with hearing aids can enjoy clear, uninterrupted commentary throughout the journey. Simply switch your hearing aid to the ‘T’ setting and immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Oxford without any background noise. Join us for an inclusive and enjoyable sightseeing experience, where everyone can feel connected and informed.

Children-specific commentary in English
We have created a child-specific commentary in English for children to enjoy our tour buses.

Wheelchair-accessible vehicles
Our tour buses can accept wheelchairs on board. The driver will be happy to assist you.

For a fuller description, please refer here: Frequently Asked Questions – City Sightseeing Oxford

Wheelchairs can be hired from: Wheelchair and Scooter Loan – Oxfordshire or please contact Westgate Oxford | AccessAble

Fully Accessible Visitor Information Point
Our Visitor Information Point is fully accessible.

Toilets
Our tour buses and Visitor Information Point do not have toilets, however we are always happy to point out public-use toilets in the City of Oxford.

Please refer to this section of the City Council’s website for information on public toilets: Public toilets | Oxford City Council.

Carfax Tower and Double-deck tour buses
Regrettably, due to the historical nature of the building, Carfax Tower does not have any lifts to the top. Additionally, our open-top buses have top-decks that are reachable through stairs on the bus. The bottom deck still provides a great experience, with views through large windows and both recorded commentary and live guide commentary (on selected tours) available.

Carfax Tower
Due to the nature of the building and accessing the top, we are unable to allow children below the age of 5 up the tower. Additionally, those who have issues with balance or heart conditions should not attempt to climb to the top.

Parking in Oxford
We have Park and Ride locations on the outskirts of Oxford City Centre where buses travel into Oxford daily. These buses are wheelchair accessible. Alternatively there are other parking options that can be found here: Oxford City Council – Parking in Oxford and Westgate Oxford – Disabled On-Street Parking Map.

For those with blue badges, please check this website: Blue Badge guidance | Oxfordshire County Council

Walking Tours
Our guided walking tours are in English only. However, our partnership with VOX Walking Tours allows visitors who purchase tickets through them or include with the VOX package to download an app allowing these tours to be experienced in languages: English, French, German, Italian and Spanish. 

Our guided walking tours take either 45 minutes or 90 minutes. Please remember that this will include walking through various paths, including cobbled streets and busy roads. 

We have recently finished working on a project that aimed to make the City Sightseeing attraction all-inclusive. With the help of Diane Sider, member of the committee ‘Unlimited Oxford’, we worked out a route for the 45min tour (same tour same highlights same duration) which is now accessible to everyone.

These walking tours do not include a toilet break, so please keep this in mind. 

We are currently developing a family-friendly walking tour that includes a toilet break and is suitable for those who like to take a slower pace when it comes to walking – we expect this to launch in the latter half of 2023.